Description
A simple yet sensational coconut shrimp recipe with tender, juicy shrimp coated in a crispy coconut and panko crust. Restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Canola or vegetable oil for frying
Thai sweet chili sauce (optional, for serving)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko and shredded coconut mixed together.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the beaten eggs, and press into the panko–coconut mixture to coat well. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat about ¼-inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Serve hot with Thai sweet chili sauce and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Swap half the shredded coconut for chopped macadamia nuts for a nutty variation.
- Add cayenne to the flour for heat.
- Use sesame seeds in the coating for extra crunch.
- For a healthier version, bake shrimp at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg